Residents Show Interest In Fighting Crime

August 23, 1985|By James H. Tolpin, Staff Writer

LAKE WORTH — If Mayor David Hinsa correctly gauged the tone of a Thursday night meeting of residents of the city`s Osborne section, the predominantly black area is heading for a cleanup of drugs and crime.

``I think by the reaction we got, I think (residents) are ready,`` Hinsa said.

He said the audience of about 40 at the Howard Park Recreation Center, which adjoins areas where street crime and drug dealing are prevalent, impressed him with a desire to get involved in working with police and city officials.

``It was more than productive in that the community does not want to put up with crime and drugs anymore,`` Hinsa said.

Along with the mayor and Osborne residents, the meeting attracted City Manager Ken Nipper, Recreation Director Chuck Nichols and community leader Johnny Polite.

Hinsa said he especially was pleased with residents who said they would help start a neighborhood Crime Watch program. The mayor said he would join residents, by attending their six start-up meetings, if they actually go ahead with the plan.

City officials also took a preliminary step toward setting up a supervised recreation program at Howard Park.

Hinsa directed Nipper to determine the cost of funding a position for a program director. After receiving the cost estimate, it will be up to the city council to create the position.

The audience largely supported creation of the program, which some said would help get children involved in activities instead of just hanging out or getting in trouble.